Art in the Face of War screens at G.I. Film Festival

“Art in the Face of War,” a feature length documentary by award-winning writer/director David Baugnon, makes its District of Columbia premiere as part of the G.I. Film Festival (GIFF), May 12-17, 2009. Filmmaker will be in attendance.

The documentary examines WWII through the lens of the artists' powerful paintings, drawings and photographs. Works created on-the-spot during the war, and others created more recently from haunting memories, are showcased in the film. “The works are enlightening, challenging, even amusing. They show that war is indeed hell but that creativity and hope can exist in the face of destruction,” says Director David Baugnon. “This film gives a very personal view of history from these heroic men.” The featured artists served in all theatres of operation in WWII and in all branches of the U.S. military, including the once top-secret Deception Corp. After the war, each went on to a successful career in the arts. All are active artists today.

The film has received numerous awards including Best Documentary at the Lake Havasu International Film Festival (April 2009), the Special Jury Prize at the Newport Beach Film Festival (April 2007) and the Audience Award for Best Documentary in the Connecticut Film Festival (October 2006). The film was written and directed by David E. Baugnon, and shot and edited by Ed Holt, independent filmmakers from New York. Cecelia M. Barnett of Stamford, CT is the Executive Producer.

“ART IN THE FACE OF WAR should be shown in every classroom, library, and living room in the country" - The Fairfield Weekly- June 14, 2007